The Philadelphia Flyers are ready to rock and roll this season, like Guns N’ Roses rocked Hershey Park in Pennsylvania two weeks ago. General manager Ron Hextall has given the Flyers organization a breath of fresh air, by accumulating all these fine young prospects within the Flyers farm system. There are many prospects within the Flyers system that are looking for a spot with the big club within the next few years.
It is no secret that the Flyers have struggled offensively the last few years. They have sat in the middle of the pack in terms of offense for the past few seasons. Just who is down on the farm looking to help the Flyers offensively within the next few years? Meet Czech Forward David Kase. I was fortunate enough to interview him recently, and Kase seems to have the skillset to become a mainstay in the NHL.
Kase was born on January 28,1997, in Kadan, Czech Republic. He was drafted by the Flyers in the 5th round of the 2015 NHL Draft. When he was younger, Kase used to watch his idol Pavel Datsyuk play on a daily basis for the Detroit Red Wings. Kase was instantly drawn to the sport, and of course like many young kids one of his goals was to get drafted into the NHL. His goal came true and the feeling as he describes it was one of happiness.
“I was very happy because I like the Flyers and when I was small I had a Flyers cap and t-shirt. My family were very happy.”
The young prospect, Kase enjoyed a solid season for SK Kadan in the 2015-16 season. He registered 6 goals, and 8 assists for a total of 14 points in 16 games played. This really solidified his status for the upcoming NHL Draft. Ironically enough the Kase family was already placed on the map for the NHL, prior to David being selected by the Flyers in 2015. David’s brother Ondrej Kase was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the 7th round of the 2014 NHL Draft. His brother of course had a decent post season for the Ducks this past year registering 2 goals, 0 assists, and was a +2 in 9 games played. One would think his brother gave him added motivation to succeed at the NHL level, however it was quite the opposite.
“My parents, because my Dad played ice hockey for a long time.”
This kid in Kase can wheel and deal. He is well known for being a great puck handler, and it keeps opponents honest. Opponents have to be mindful when Kase is on the ice, as he can make something out of nothing. For the 2016-17 season for SK Kadan, Kase registered 4 goals, and 3 assists for a total of 7 points in 8 games played. Moreover, Kase started to garner praise in February of 2017 for the Pirati Chomutov team. For the season he registered 3 goals, and 6 assists for a total of 9 points in 32 games played, but Kase got stronger as the year wore on. He became more adapted to the pace of the game. Kase could have been motivated by the play of his idol for his late season surge.
“I like Pavel Datsyuk because he has very good hands and isn’t tall. He has a good pass.”
There is no reason the Flyers have to rush the development of Kase. Hopefully he pans out in the near future, and continues to develop for the Pirati Chomutov. Kase has the willingness, and the work ethic to succeed like his dad and brother at the NHL level. Kase leaves the fans of Philadelphia this message:
“I am a team player and technician. I like all Flyers fans.”
Mandatory Photo Credit: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
